The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its long-awaited return on February 19, 2025, rekindling excitement among cricket fans worldwide. Scheduled to take place over three weeks, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the first time since 1996 for Pakistan to host such an ICC global event. The tournament promises thrilling matches, as eight top teams vie for the title, with all eyes on the much-anticipated India versus Pakistan clash.
This ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, which was last held in 2017, follows its historical roots dating back to 1998 when it was originally known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy. The earlier editions functioned under various formats but culminated with the ICC’s goal of streamlining major events to one for each cricket format. Nations are eager to reclaim their glory, and this year's tournament is setting the stage for a remarkable showdown.
From February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament will host matches across various locations, namely Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, all of which have seen significant upgrades to their cricketing facilities. The competition will kick off with Pakistan facing New Zealand, contributing to the high excitement level as teams warm up and adapt to local conditions.
Each team participating has been placed carefully within two distinct groups of four. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, whereas Group B features South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. This structure will lead to group stage matches played until March 2, after which the top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, scheduled for the 4th and 5th of March.
Interestingly, due to long-standing political tensions, India’s cricket team will not travel to Pakistan, marking another chapter of complexity between the nations. Instead, all Indian matches, including potentially the final, will occur at neutral venues, with the Dubai International Cricket Stadium designated for their fixtures.
Despite the challenges, fans' enthusiasm is infectious—witnessed by recent arrivals of teams, including Afghanistan, South Africa, and New Zealand to Pakistan. Afghan players were greeted warmly upon their arrival, even as one of their star players, spinner Allah Ghazanfar, was ruled out due to injury. The team swiftly shuffled its lineup by including left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote to replace Ghazanfar.
The historical backdrop adds significant weight to the tournament, especially with the India-Pakistan rivalry promising to attract massive viewership and unforgettable moments. Following their recent series against England, the Indian team has motivated excitement among fans, building up anticipation for their opening match.
Fans eager to attend the matches can rely on DreamSetGo, India’s leading travel platform, appointed as the Official Travel Agent for the tournament. Co-founder Daniel D’Souza emphasized, "At DreamSetGo, we believe sports travel should go beyond just attending matches. It should be a gateway to immersive, unforgettable experiences." They will offer premium packages including official match tickets, luxury accommodations, and unique opportunities to engage with cricketing legends, ensuring fans become part of this historic sporting adventure.
Through this partnership, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying not just the matches, but also exclusive interactions and hospitality experiences. From match tickets to luxury arrangements, DreamSetGo’s offerings are set to redefine cricket travel, ensuring unforgettable memories for fans.
Every game of the tournament promises to deliver edge-of-the-seat excitement, with the final scheduled for March 9, 2025. If India reaches the ultimate match, it will be hosted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium; otherwise, it will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The anticipation not only spans across the player lineups and group matches but encompasses the vibrant cricket culture shared among the nations involved.
All 15 matches during the tournament will be accessible to fans via various platforms. The BBC will provide ball-by-ball commentary and coverage whilst fans can watch live matches on Sky Sports. The return of the ICC Champions Trophy is poised to be one of the most memorable events on the cricket calendar, and fans are brimming with anticipation as the tournament draws near, ready to witness who will rise to claim the prestigious title.